observance

noun

ob·​ser·​vance əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s How to pronounce observance (audio)
1
a
: a customary practice, rite, or ceremony
Sabbath observances
b
: a rule governing members of a religious order
2
: an act or instance of following a custom, rule, or law
observance of the speed limits
3
: an act or instance of watching

Examples of observance in a Sentence

the observance of this family tradition would make your grandmother very happy observance of the smoking ban in public buildings
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No, public schools and colleges in Michigan will be closed on Thanksgiving in observance of the public holiday. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024 The day Veterans Day was celebrated moved a few times over the years, but President Gerald Ford moved it back to its annual observance on the Nov. 11 date by 1978. Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 11 Nov. 2024 No, all branches of Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles are closed Monday in observance of Veterans Day. John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Nov. 2024 Because Veterans Day is a federal holiday, some businesses and services may be closed in observance. Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 9 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for observance 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English observaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French observance, borrowed from Latin observantia "action of watching, deferential regard, adherence to rules" (Late Latin also "adherence to divine law, religious rites"), derivative of observant-, observans, present participle of observāre "to give attention to, observe"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of observance was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near observance

Cite this Entry

“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observance. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

observance

noun
ob·​ser·​vance əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s How to pronounce observance (audio)
1
: an established practice or ceremony
religious observances
2
: an act of following a custom, rule, or law
3
: an act or instance of watching

More from Merriam-Webster on observance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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